Scottish budget promises £22.5 billion for social care
Scottish piggy bank

The Scottish Government its budget for 2026-7 with £22.5 billion for social care.

The plan includes a record £22.5 billion for health and social care, including a record £17.6 billion for NHS boards and resources to begin the national rollout of walk-in GP clinics.

The new budget includes a cost-of-living package, with funding for families to trial a programme of activities in a range of primary schools between 3-6pm; free children's sporting activities over the summer and a breakfast club for every primary school by August 2027.

The budget covers free prescriptions and free eye examinations.

There's also almost £15.7 billion for a local government settlement to support the services communities rely on, including social care and education.

Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government said: “This Budget delivers for families across the country, for a stronger NHS, and for a more prosperous future.

“It will fund landmark policies to continue efforts to eradicate child poverty – investing in a brighter future for Scotland and the children growing up here.

“Almost £68 billion is being invested in 2026-27 and almost £200 billion through the Scottish Spending Review and Infrastructure Investment Pipeline, demonstrating the scale of our ambition for our nation.”